Light source
Energy consumption can be significantly reduced by switching lights off in empty rooms. However, the requirements for escape and rescue routes must be complied with.
LED lamps reduce power consumption and have a longer service life than conventional light sources.
Warm white, dimmed and timed outdoor lighting protects the environment and promotes biodiversity.
Energy consumption can be regulated automatically and efficiently using motion detectors and timers.
Outdoor lighting that is not required can be switched off.
Outdoor advertising that is illuminated but not needed during a certain period can be switched off. This reduces not only electricity consumption, but also light pollution.
The use of energy-efficient lighting with warm colour temperatures (2400 to 3000K) helps save energy.
Good to know
When outdoor lighting is switched off, road safety must be guaranteed, even on narrow pavements that can be unsafe in the dark.
A lack of outdoor lighting can have a negative impact on accessibility.
Wheelchair users also need to be detectable by motion detectors installed at a low height. As soon as the light switches on, the path is accessible.
Further reading
BUND Naturschutz in Bayern e.V.: 08/2017 Insektenfreundliche Außenbeleuchtung
BEGA Gantenbrink-Leuchten: Verantwortungsvolle Außenbeleuchtung, umweltverträgliches Licht
Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND), Landesverband Hessen e.V.: Insektenschutz unter der Laterne
Good practice examples
“Move Your Energy – the green dance floor” is an interactive floor system that converts dance movement into electricity and thus raises awareness on sustainable energy in a playful manner.
Agentur RainbowEvent: Move for Energy – der “grüne” Dancefloor